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Obituary for Mary Rita John
Rita, age 83 of Denver. Beloved wife of the late E. Lowell John.
Mary Rita (Mattingly) John was born in Louisville, KY. In her early childhood, the family moved to MO due to flooding on the Ohio River. After graduating from St. Mary's high school in Independence, MO, she attended the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE for a year and a half (this is where the Sisters of Mercy had their Mother House).
In 1955, Rita and two roommates entered the novitiate of the Religious Sisters of Mercy. As a Sister of Mercy, she earned her B.A. in English and an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling during the 15 years spent in the convent. Rita chose to leave the convent and was released from her vows in 1970.
Rita found her passion at the Denver Head Start Program where she remained for 32 years, retiring in 2002. In 1981, she married Edgar Lowell John. They were happily married for 35 years. Rita was active in the Silver Sneakers Club, Red Hat Society and loved her Denver Broncos! Rita enjoyed her Bible Study group and was very generous in her charity donations. Rita and her sense of humor will truly be missed by her loving family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rita's memory to either: Salvation Army, Our Daily Bread, or The Voice of the Martyrs
